The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

There has been a debate surrounding the perceived weight of traditional paper business cards versus modern smart business cards. I strongly disagree with the notion that paper business cards hold more significance. It is more knowledgeable to assume that smart business cards are equal to or are more important than paper business cards. Smart business cards serve as a crucial primary and backup source for data analytics and lead generation. Not only are smart business cards helping local businesses and professionals, but they are also advancing society.

The distinction between the two types of business cards lies mainly in their adaptability. Unlike paper business cards, smart business cards can be updated and integrated into digital systems. Many of us say networking is about “genuine connections,” but many of us also forget that you, yourself, are the deciding factor in that “genuine connection.” It should not be assumed that connections are based on the look or style of any business card. If it is really about genuine connections, then, so to speak, you must remember you are making that connection when building a rapport.

Drawing from my experience in both the creative and analytical aspects of marketing, as well as sales, I’ve witnessed a higher return on prospecting and networking with smart business cards. Marketing involves traditional materials like graphics, flyers, and social media posts. A paper business card is essentially just a small graphic. Paper business cards lack convenience, but smart business cards are full of convenience. To truly be prepared for any opportunity, higher-level professionals carry a smart business card and a few paper business cards. In the event of spreading awareness, they might give out paper business cards, but in the event of a “genuine connection,” they might use their smart business card. From a conversation standpoint, smart business cards offer more room for conversation as well. With a smart business card, during a conversation, you can tap the recipient’s phone and show your site, social media, and contact information rather than just looking at links on a paper business card.

Ultimately, the choice between paper and smart business cards should be based on the trajectory of your interactions leading to a sale or partnership, not the hopes of a sealed connection. While opting for paper business cards isn’t inherently wrong, it limits awareness of customer actions post-handoff. Smart business cards extend the customer’s lifetime, offering analytical insights and more.

The main focus of smart business cards is to open the door for something more. We should not be so focused on what we are used to because that will diminish growth. My company, Haumi, will focus on pushing the norm and researching, developing, and improving technology in The Bahamas. Our first product, Blac Pearl Teccard, is a smart business card, and the feedback we have received from others as well as what we have experienced ourselves is phenomenal. As we speak, we are working on updates that will aid in bringing more convenience to customers and businesses. We have offered businesses, for a limited time, the opportunity to take advantage of this product for only a small monthly fee of $10. To learn more about this opportunity and our company you can visit our website ( haumi.co ).

Embracing new possibilities is very important for growth. In the 50th anniversary year of The Bahamas, we aim to make the upcoming years truly special through innovation and progress.

Kevondre Hield

Freeport

November 30, 2023